Winnie the Loggerhead Draws Crowd at Coquina Beach Sea Turtle Release
BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — A large crowd gathered Monday morning at Coquina Beach to witness the inspiring release of a loggerhead sea turtle named Winnie, who captivated onlookers as she made her way toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Winnie had come ashore early that morning to lay a nest, and after completing her task, she was fitted with a satellite tracking tag by volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The tag will allow scientists and the public to monitor her journey as part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles.
As volunteers opened the enclosure, Winnie took her time crossing the sand. She paused several times, lifting her head and appearing to glance at the cheering spectators lining the beach. With a gentle nudge from Turtle Watch volunteers, she eventually reached the water and began swimming, officially beginning her post-nesting migration.
The Tour de Turtles, which starts August 1, is a long-distance migration event that tracks participating sea turtles to raise awareness about marine conservation. Winnie's journey is being sponsored by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and local restaurant Hurricane Hank’s, whose owner, Brian Mathae, named the turtle after his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada.
Those interested in following Winnie’s path throughout the Tour de Turtles can check for weekly updates on her progress at www.amisun.com.
